Job Discussion Forums

[Milena Global]

Dear All,

We have planned to move from Hanoi to Muscat and I am searching for new teaching opportunities. First of all I read that October is not a good month for job research. Shall we go there early September or after Ramadan ? Then I heard it's better to apply directly instead of sending applications by e-mail.
My most rewarding job here in Hanoi was to work at a kindergarten as English teacher. What about preschool teaching in Muscat ? Do you have any advice ?

Thanks for your help.
Milena

[veiledsentiments]

So... you plan to just arrive and find a job? That is not the normal procedure as you can't legally work on a tourist visa.

What are your credentials? The employers and the Ministry of Education required certified related degrees.

You say 'we' - is there a spouse? Friend? Does he or she plan to work? If it is a member of the opposite sex that you are not married to, remember Oman is a conservative Muslim country and co-habiting is illegal. (it can be done, but you need to know the 'rules' of how to get away with it)

Keep in mind that Oman is a very expensive country... nothing like Viet Nam. The cost of living is closer to Europe or the US. Rentals are hard to find and prices are rising quickly.

VS

[Milena Global]

Hello VS,

Thanks so much for your reply. I appreciate your comments and yes, Oman would be a lot tougher than Viet Nam for the reasons you have mentioned, visa, costs of living, to be married or not.

First of all, I have a good job profile, so is there a way to get a visa that allows to teach for 6-8 months ? Does everything need to be planned beforehand ? Secondly, you have quite remarkably noticed what is causing some concern. I would come with my boyfriend. Since we are in a long-term relationship and given the fact that it also counts a great deal whether to be married or not, here in Viet Nam, we have learnt how to say things appropriately. But I think Oman is a different world. What is confusing me a bit is that Omani friends of us said it's not a problem. This feedback comes from male friends. Otherwise I d be glad to get some guiding on the rules.

Once again, thanks for your time and straight forward comments !
M

[windstar]

it is better to arrange before you move. Here, everything is different. There is a large indian expatriate community. They do many of the things you can do for about the half or less money. When you are in oman, you will be treated like one of them. But, depending on your passport (assuming from N. Ame or British), it is likely to get a decent job with a better salary. Decision is up to you. Established institutions will not direct hire you upon your visit. Hiring is a really looooooooooooong process here. Good luck.

[helenl]

If you are not married you will not be able to sponsor your SO. Your employer will not sponsor your SO. Can he enter on a visit visa? Probably, but that means he will have to do a visa run every 30 days or so in order to renew that visa. Travel + visa costs.

Cohabiting can be done successfully if you are discrete - however, your employer will know your marital status and it only takes one blabbermouth in your social circle to spill the beans.

As the employer usually provides you with housing (in the better jobs) you will probably be housed near work colleagues. It also only takes one vindictive person to dob you in which may result in arrest followed by deportation. Adultery is an offence and the authorities will take action if they are forced to by someone bringing it to their attention.

Most organizations are recruiting and hiring now for late August starts. Arranging to bring a new hire into the country is a time consuming process and most are in the intial stages now.

[scot47]

In any of the Gulf States what you plan is NOT FEASIBLE.
1. Couples have to be married
2. You have to arrange employment before arrival.

[desertrat]

Wow you all sound a little tense! There are many unmarried couples who live together here in Oman, this is not Saudi! The trick is to not tell anyone that youre not married. Your employer will know but that info shouldnt be public knowledge. Your co workers wouldnt know unless you tell them.

Secondly, although its advisable to get a job prior to coming out here, its not an absolute necessity. It all depends on your qualifications and your nationality and of course the same applies to your partner.

You need to start applying now if you want a job for Sept. Visas depend on your nationality so I cant really answer you on this one.

[Milena Global]

Thanks to everyone for all your interesting comments. I must admit that I was about to change our plans after reading the first statements, but Desertrat, you brought me back on track.

As I said, Hanoi is quite a tough place, yet it has fantastic job opportunities right now. But Oman is a different world and we want to experience the difference, not naive, rather considerate, respecting the rules.

I would really like to work at a kindergarten. Has anyone some advice on that subject ?

About my nationality, I am German and I hope to get some more advice from the Embassy here or in Germany.

Once again, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND THIS OPEN DISCUSSION!
Milena

[denise]

[lall]

[veiledsentiments]

Let me add just one more detail about co-habiting. Yes, it is done and yes it is illegal. (punishment is jail, lashes and deportation) If both of you are Westerners, you are more likely to get away with it... BUT, if one of you is not, your chances of drawing attention and getting caught increase exponentially. Denise is absolutely correct that there are NO secrets in the expat community.

I would take great care. If you were both credentialed teachers who would both arrive with contract jobs, it is much easier to get away with this. Your circumstances are different and more chance for difficulty.

VS

[lall]

This is something that I heard when I was in Oman and it may be true for most other countries around the world.

S*xual assault by male prisoners on other males does happen in prisons. This was one of the cautionary messages given by the PR man to us, though I suspect he was going over-the-top to pre-empt any misbehaviour.

[Milena Global]

I feel neither encouraged nor discouraged after reading all the comments. But one thing is for sure, I appreciate your honesty and I feel even more like a beginner when it comes to the Middle East. Not sure if I could manage to get married until September but I give it a go and try to find a good job before we go there. I ll let you know how it goes and maybe i can change from beginner to intermediate level one day

Thanks for your help around the globe !
M

[Stephen Jones]

[bje]